We teach to talk all the time, giving verbal commands during training so that we do so in a confrontation. Saying things like, "stop resisting!" or "stop fighting!" and giving commands like "get on the ground!" or "your under arrest!" Other phrases that key in on what is really happening helps other officers to realize the severity of what is going on. When we train choke defenses, we yell "stop choking me!" When we train weapon retention, we yell things like "gun grab!" or "he's got my gun! he's got my gun!" If an officer hears a fellow officer yelling that, it keys the other officer in on what level of force to come into the fight with. Civilians in a self-defense situation can yell similar things out that might help others around to realize who the aggressor is. Also, witnesses telling police officers that one person kept yelling "leave me alone" or "I don't want to fight" can be very helpful in shaking out who started what.

In the case of body language, there are a few things that can make a difference. Holding hands up in what is commonly referred to as the "fence" position (hands open and facing the aggressor in a placating manner, but up high to protect the face) is much less aggressive looking than the typical hands up in balled up fists position. These are just a few things that can help others determine who might be the aggressor and who might be the victim._________________www.haysgym.comhttp://www.sunyis.com/www.aikidoofnorthwestkansas.com

You're correct...self defense is not enough...at least by itself. One must be proactive across the board when one's expecting to excel in self defense. Otherwise, nothing of any good will come out from it!!

Experts have determined through research that most people ignore "Help", but will investigate the whereabouts when someone calls out, "Fire"' because we, humans, are a curious bunch.

Like in anything that is the MA, if one's not proactive about it, then it will be of little use to them at all levels.

Mostly because I am a big fan of Marc's work, but also because this site is a godsend to someone just starting out in self defense._________________Think first, act second, and stop getting the two confused.

@Alan Armstrong - I agree. If you don't have a weapon like a knife or a gun, self defence can be useless. The best defence is as they say is a strong offence. If you feel like some thing is about to go down, either walk away or be brutal (Like Batman). I prefer the latter and then disappear before the cops show up.

Someone mentioned the cops here . . . cops can't do anything without evidence. You are literally on your own bud.

Self-defense is only enough if and only if it is done with the goal of escaping as fast as possible and with the least degree of force needed to get away. This speaks for itself. It is very, very difficult for anyone to claim that a a person obviously struggling to get away is at fault or see that person as the attacker.

If a person breaks away and runs at the first opportunity and hits/injures one's attacker in the process of escaping, potential witnesses will see or report just that. Hit hard and run like the bejeezus is always the best thing to do. No need to stick around or fret about what might happen if one isn't there.

Who is foolish enough to wait around? Either the attackers supporters get there or the law gets there first. One way or another, if one is still there it will be both costly and painful.

Self-defense is only enough if and only if it is done with the goal of escaping as fast as possible and with the least degree of force needed to get away. This speaks for itself. It is very, very difficult for anyone to claim that a a person obviously struggling to get away is at fault or see that person as the attacker.

If a person breaks away and runs at the first opportunity and hits/injures one's attacker in the process of escaping, potential witnesses will see or report just that. Hit hard and run like the bejeezus is always the best thing to do. No need to stick around or fret about what might happen if one isn't there.

Who is foolish enough to wait around? Either the attackers supporters get there or the law gets there first. One way or another, if one is still there it will be both costly and painful.

That's why if you're going to fight for ego, you need to plant the seed into the minds of those around you. Whilst pummeling your opponent, continuously shout "hes got my wallet!"

Self-defense is only enough if and only if it is done with the goal of escaping as fast as possible and with the least degree of force needed to get away. This speaks for itself. It is very, very difficult for anyone to claim that a a person obviously struggling to get away is at fault or see that person as the attacker.

If a person breaks away and runs at the first opportunity and hits/injures one's attacker in the process of escaping, potential witnesses will see or report just that. Hit hard and run like the bejeezus is always the best thing to do. No need to stick around or fret about what might happen if one isn't there.

Who is foolish enough to wait around? Either the attackers supporters get there or the law gets there first. One way or another, if one is still there it will be both costly and painful.

That's why if you're going to fight for ego, you need to plant the seed into the minds of those around you. Whilst pummeling your opponent, continuously shout "hes got my wallet!"